The Jumbo Deals

Introduction

In a world where digital convenience and flexibility shape the travel industry, “On the Beach” has emerged as a powerhouse in online holiday bookings, particularly for beach vacations. Founded in 2004 in the United Kingdom, On the Beach has transformed how British travelers plan and book their sunny getaways. Specializing in affordable, tailor-made beach holidays to destinations across Europe and beyond, the company has positioned itself at the intersection of technology, consumer needs, and travel innovation.

This blog offers a comprehensive 2500-word exploration into the On the Beach brand, including its history, services, user experience, competitive positioning, technology adoption, and future vision.

The Origin Story

On the Beach was founded by Simon Cooper, an entrepreneur with a vision to digitize the traditional travel agency model. By offering online booking for flights and hotels in popular beach destinations, the company quickly capitalized on the UK market’s growing preference for DIY holiday planning. In 2007, On the Beach moved its headquarters to Cheadle, Greater Manchester, and by 2015, it had gone public on the London Stock Exchange.

The brand’s primary mission was—and still is—to provide a flexible and cost-effective platform for users to create custom beach holidays, eliminating the constraints of fixed packages offered by traditional tour operators.

Service Portfolio

On the Beach specializes in:

  • Beach Holidays: To destinations including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and the Canary Islands.

  • Flight + Hotel Packages: Users can mix and match flights and accommodations to fit their budget and schedule.

  • Hotel-only Bookings: Ideal for travelers who already have flights sorted.

  • Add-ons: Including airport transfers, travel insurance, and excursions.

Unlike traditional operators, On the Beach acts as a travel agent that curates services rather than operating them directly. This allows flexibility in pricing and variety.

User Experience and Interface

One of On the Beach’s major strengths lies in its intuitive, user-friendly platform. Features include:

  • Search Filters: Based on budget, star ratings, board basis, customer reviews, etc.

  • Flexible Dates: Letting travelers find the cheapest and most convenient dates.

  • Low Deposits and Payment Plans: Encouraging budget-conscious travelers.

  • Mobile App: For managing bookings, getting travel tips, and customer service.

Their website and app are optimized for seamless navigation and booking within a few clicks, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Customer Base

The brand caters primarily to:

  • Families seeking affordable summer holidays.

  • Young adults and couples looking for last-minute deals.

  • Budget-conscious travelers who prefer control over every aspect of their trip.

On the Beach also appeals to those who value transparency, especially with its no-hidden-fees policy and flexible booking options.

Business Model and Revenue

On the Beach operates on a commission-based model. It earns revenue through:

  • Commissions from hotels and airline partners.

  • Markups on value-added services like transfers and insurance.

  • Ancillary revenue through customer support packages.

Since it does not own aircraft or hotels, the company has lower overheads compared to vertically integrated tour operators.

Competitive Advantage

What makes On the Beach stand out?

  • Specialization in Beach Holidays: The brand focuses solely on sun-and-sand getaways, which allows a niche dominance.

  • Dynamic Packaging: Unlike pre-set packages, users can craft their own.

  • Real-Time Pricing and Availability: Through integrations with suppliers.

  • Customer-Centric Policies: Including ATOL protection and flexible cancellation options.

This focused strategy allows it to compete effectively against giants like TUI and Expedia.

Marketing Strategy

On the Beach uses a combination of:

  • TV Advertising: Their humorous and catchy commercials have high recall value.

  • Social Media Campaigns: Primarily on Facebook and Instagram.

  • PPC and SEO: To capture high-intent users.

  • Email Newsletters: Featuring exclusive offers and travel tips.

Branding is consistent, bright, and aspirational—positioning holidays not just as a need, but a lifestyle.

Technology and Innovation

A tech-savvy travel agency, On the Beach has invested heavily in:

  • AI-driven Pricing Engines: For competitive and adaptive pricing.

  • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: For quicker query resolution.

  • Customer Data Analytics: To personalize user experiences.

  • APIs with Airlines and Hotels: Enabling dynamic packaging in real-time.

Their tech infrastructure supports scalability and reliability, even during peak travel seasons.


Sustainability Commitment

On the Beach has acknowledged its role in promoting sustainable tourism. Initiatives include:

  • Offering Carbon Offset Options: At checkout.

  • Promoting Eco-Friendly Hotels: Through visible filters and badges.

  • Participating in Environmental Campaigns: Both locally and internationally.

Although it’s early in its sustainability journey, the brand is making commendable progress in aligning travel with responsibility.

COVID-19 Response and Recovery

The pandemic was a defining moment for the travel industry. On the Beach responded by:

  • Suspending new bookings during high-risk periods.

  • Offering full refunds or credit notes quickly.

  • Enhancing customer service and introducing live chat features.

  • Launching a “COVID-19 Cover” insurance product.

This transparent and proactive approach earned it trust and loyalty during turbulent times.

Reviews and Public Perception

On the Beach has mixed reviews online. Positive reviews highlight:

  • Easy booking process.

  • Great value for money.

  • Wide range of options.

Criticisms usually revolve around:

  • Slow customer service response during peak times.

  • Confusion over who is responsible in case of third-party issues.

To address this, the company has improved its FAQ section, escalated support systems, and increased its team size.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, On the Beach aims to:

  • Expand into long-haul beach destinations like Thailand, the Maldives, and the Caribbean.

  • Strengthen its mobile-first approach with app-exclusive deals.

  • Develop loyalty programs with personalized rewards.

  • Continue investments in automation and machine learning.

Its strategic goal is to become Europe’s leading online beach holiday platform.

Conclusion

On the Beach exemplifies how a focused, agile, and tech-enabled company can thrive in a competitive and often volatile industry. With its emphasis on flexibility, affordability, and customer-centric design, it continues to redefine how the British public experiences beach holidays. As travel rebounds in the post-pandemic world, On the Beach stands well-positioned to ride the next wave of vacationers looking for sun, sea, and simplicity.

Whether you’re a family planning your summer escape or a solo traveler craving the Mediterranean breeze, On the Beach makes beach holidays not only accessible but delightfully easy.